The definition of Yama in the ancient Sanskrit language is: Self-control, forbearance; bridle, curbing, restraining. Yamas are restraints for proper conduct in our lives. They include non-violence, being honest, not taking what doesn’t belong to you, not being attached to the things of the world, and practicing fleshly restraint.
When I was studying the 8-Limbed path of yoga during my teacher training I had a huge Aha! moment as I learned about the Yamas. Created outside of the Torah/Bible, Yamas are the laws of God; all found in the Ten Commandments of Exodus (Chapter 20). These laws can be found in societies and religions all over the world. In the Yamas I saw proof that we have One Awesome Creator God.
Look around at our amazing Universe; from the tiniest of creatures to the vast magnificence of outer space. Contemplate the intricacies of the incredible body you live in; scientists are still fervently trying to figure it out. Notice how the same concepts and laws of nature are repeated throughout the creation from life to death; from the sowing of seed to the metamorphosis of the butterfly. The one true, living God created all of us. We are God’s masterpiece!
We are God’s masterpiece.
Ephesians 2:10
Each and every one of us are the work of God’s hands; personally and intricately formed in our mother’s womb. Psalm 139 says it like this:
You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body
Psalm 139:13-17 NLT
and knit me together in my mother’s womb.
Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex!
Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it.
You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion,
as I was woven together in the dark of the womb.
You saw me before I was born.
Every day of my life was recorded in your book.
Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed.
How precious are your thoughts about me, O God.
They cannot be numbered!
When God created the Universe He also created right and wrong, “Universal Morality”, and put it inside each of us. God’s morality is written on our hearts. Whether someone believes in God or not, they have a conscience and can recognize this universal right and wrong within their heart; each of us carries His signature on our hearts.
“They demonstrate that God’s law is written in their hearts, for their own conscience and thoughts either accuse them or tell them they are doing right.”
Romans 2:15 NLT
The Yamas
Let us look at each of these Yamas and then where they are found in scripture. Each one of the 5 Yamas coincides with the well-known Ten Commandments:
- Ahisma – Non-Violence (Thou Shall Not Kill) – Exodus 20:13
- Satya – Truthfulness (That Shall Not Bear False Witness) – Exodus 20:16
- Asteya – Non-Stealing (Thou Shall Not Steal) – Exodus 20:15
- Bramacharya – Godly Conduct/Fleshly Restraint (Thou Shall Not Commit Adultery) – Exodus 20:14
- Aparigraha – Non-Attachment (Thou Shall Have No Other Gods Before Me/Thou Shall Not Covet) – Exodus 20:3&17
Practicing Yama is practicing moral restraint; treating others with kindness and gentleness, being honest with ourselves and those around us, not taking what doesn’t belong to us by respecting the time and possessions of others, treating ourselves with value and conducting ourselves in a way that reflects that, and not attaching ourselves to the things that whither away but seek after those things that are eternal.
Practicing Yama in our lives is also being obedient to the God who made us. Showing love and appreciation for the precious life given to us. Showing respect with a grateful heart. As I continue this blog I will dive deeper into of each of the Yamas and we can explore them together more and more as we grow in our practice.
As we grow in our practice may each of us strive to do what is right simply because it is the right thing to do.
We Are Not Alone!
We don’t have to strive for perfection on our own; we have a “Helper”, the Holy Spirit! (John 15:26). We can have a personal connection with the One who helps is do the right thing and gently corrects us when we are getting off track. Our supernatural guide who guides us into the perfect will of our Creator.
My goal at Spirit Body Yoga is to create a place where spirits are strengthened and where the Spirit of God can move amongst us creating that deep personal connection each of us desires to have with the One who made us. Therefore, at the end of each class, after exercising through our moving meditation, there is quietness to listen and grow.
Namaste,
GloriAnne
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